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Crazy Rich Asians is one of the few movies this year that has generated buzz in the community not mainly because of its story line or the cinematography, but more for what it represents. The movie has been deemed pioneering; a much-needed change to Hollywood; an inspiration to all audiences alike.

However, with so much hype leading up to its release, I’ll admit I was skeptical.

Was the movie just some platform for Asian-Americans to attempt a mark on the entertainment industry? And would the quality suffer as a result? Or would the movie be a refreshing change to the average romantic comedy?

My concerns were seemingly answered in the first scene – which acts as a sort of prologue to the movie – as an Asian family is shown facing racial discrimination; not the usual issue romantic comedies are wont to containing.

Furthermore, the plot of the movie was anything but the stereotypical romantic comedy story.

Crazy Rich Asians tells the story of an NYU economist professor, Rachel Chu, and her Asian boyfriend, Nick Young.

When Nick goes back to his home, Singapore, for his best friend’s wedding, Rachel comes along.

However, after being in Singapore for just a day, Rachel discovers that her boyfriend of over a year has neglected to tell her something very important. He is “crazy rich.”

As the story goes on, Rachel comes to terms with Nick being rich, but she cannot deal with Nick’s mother, Eleanor Young, who visibly despises Rachel. As a result, the two end up ultimately vying for Nick’s love and a spot in his future.

The stories focus on familial and cultural issues, which are in this case the complications keeping the couple apart, made the movie more relatable and real.

And considering characters owned mansions and rented out islands, the relatability of the plot was refreshing.

While the movie was hardly perfect, as at times the story played on one too many Asian-American stereotypes, the interesting storyline, as well as its willingness to try new things, makes Crazy Rich Asians a must-watch movie.